<p>Please note: because of the Super Bowl on February 2, we were unable to keep our normal schedule as hotel rooms were unavailable. Therefore, we are auditioning in New York the week prior to our normal schedule.</p>
<p>We will continue to use Pearl Studios for our New York audition site. Pearl Studios are located at 500 8th Ave. </p>
<p>In Los Angeles we have moved back to the Westin Los Angeles Airport at 5400 Century Blvd.</p>
<p>Just a reminder for those of you looking at Unifieds: at both Chicago and NYC, some of the schools outside of the ‘member schools’ that audition at the same time and either close by or in the same hotels start auditions one or two days earlier than the posted date. So start checking out dates and where schools are auditioning ASAP. I already know of folks making reservations!</p>
<p>One of the closest hotels is the historic “New Yorker”. At this time of year, you will find much better deals on hotel costs than other times in NYC. The New YOrker is literally right around the corner from PEarl Studios and across from PEnn Station.</p>
<p>BTW- the above dates are earlier than this past year’s unifieds and are problematic in that you can’t go directly from NYC to Chicago (due to the lag between them) - something many folks did this year. That’s too bad. I will say that we fit in 9 auditions in 5 days in NYC so you do get a lot bang for your buck. ALso- we didn’t even make any hotel reservations until we had our schedule worked out for auditions - which was in November prior to the February start of unifieds. Don’t get worried folks - there is plenty of time!!!</p>
<p>We had friends who stayed at the New Yorker finding it great and so convenient to the unifieds, which is why I suggest it. We, however, stayed in an apartment. I have been doing this for years in NYC. We find apartments through either VRBO or airbnb. Both sites have great choices. The apartment option is great because you have more space for even less money than a hotel. Last year, unifieds were in Feb which allowed for AWESOME deals. We had an upscale apartment with a doorman and elevators overlooking the Hudson River for a scream. It even had a gym on the top floor that my daughter used every morning to warm up before auditions. We ate breakfast in every morning saving lots of money as well. And we even brought in dinner a couple of nights to save money and to chill. </p>
<p>It is easy enough to get around the city with a metro card (subways are fast and everywhere). Cabs also are there for those who don’t mind paying more. </p>
<p>Having said all this - it is probably easier for those not familiar with NYC to just stay at the New Yorker - but if you want to have your own experience away from the hubbub - the apartment option is just great.</p>
<p>If the New Yorker is out, I’ve stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn on 35th Street before. Clean, nice staff. Only a couple of blocks from Pearl Studios. There are a couple of others on 35th I think.</p>
<p>And while you’re there, give my regards to Broadway and remember me to Herald Square.</p>
<p>If anyone needs any references while in NYC (or before) definitely reach out. I can refer you to an accompanist for a last minute recording if you lose your track or a voice teacher for a last minute brush up lesson (or just a great diner that won’t break the bank). I’d love to help!</p>
<p>Am about to book unifieds tickets and just wondering - where would you recommend I did my unifieds? I’m an international student. I was recommended to do Chicago and then LA but I would love to spend a couple of days in New York. So would it be more beneficial in your opinions to do NY or Chicago/LA? Please respond! Anybody who has attended unifieds as well, could you please tell me about the vibes at the different locations and which you preferred (if any!)? Thank you!</p>
<p>Jessgn, the reason people suggest including Chicago in your plan is because there are three days to spread your auditions over which means that you can conceivably audition for more programs. Also, more colleges and programs attend Chicago than other locations.</p>
<p>I would do New York. See the city, rest a little, and then get out of there before the Superbowl. It’s nice that there is a break this year between NY and Chicago.
I would then head over to Chicago. Everyone is there.
It’s a great experience and you can do several auditions very easily.
This would be a great trip with time to enjoy two great American cities.
LA is great too but everyone is really tired by then.</p>
<p>Jessgn - if you are applying to NYC schools, there are a few that do not do auditions as a part of unifieds but do have audition dates around the unified dates. So you could spend a day or 2 more in NYC that would have scheduled auditions (if interested in those schools). Last year, NYU, Pace and Marymount Manhattan did not participate in unifieds but had dates available before during and after the unified dates. In addition, some schools added dates outside of the unified time frame, but in my memory, all those were BEFORE the actual unified start date.</p>
<p>One bonus associated with NYC Unifieds is the chance to see what the studio spaces are like. For a non-New-Yorker, it’s a unique opportunity to spend a day or two around working actors, who are coming and going, auditioning for “real” productions, amidst the college hopefuls. We found it fascinating and energizing–and a glimpse of the future, perhaps!</p>
<p>My D wanted me to leave her for the hours long wait she had at Nola Studio for Ithaca. I took the elevator down and several floors down the door opened and I could see a huge costume shop on the floor. A man got in and I asked him about the shop. He told me it is one of the many shops for Bway shows and in fact, he was picking up a pair of “sparkly shoes” for that night’s performance of Wicked. He was so friendly and wonderful!!!</p>
<p>Wow thank you! I will definitely let my mom know. Just wondering…if you did do NY unifieds/auditions, how did you guys get around? Coming from someone really unfamiliar with New York, would I be walking, taking the subway or cabbing to get to my audition venues? Thank you :)</p>